Description and cultivation of the summer apple tree Dream

Description of the variety

The Mechta summer apple variety grows up to 5 meters on seed rootstocks and up to 3 meters on dwarf rootstocks. With a rounded-conical crown on a sturdy trunk, the tree tends to become dense and spreading, so it requires regular pruning.

Descriptions note the decorative nature of the overall appearance, especially during flowering, when the tree is covered in a flurry of white flowers, and when numerous very light yellowish-green apples with a vibrant pink-red blush ripen. The large, matte-green leaves are distinguished by their pubescent undersides. The fruits ripen in early August and have a very pleasant sweet-and-sour flavor, virtually no aroma, and juicy, white flesh, sometimes with a pink tint, slightly crumbly.

Main characteristics

The description notes that the Dream variety, with good care and favorable conditions, produces a large harvest annually – at least 100 kg from one mature tree. In depleted soil without fertilizer, after winter frost, or in a dry summer without watering, fruiting may become intermittent, meaning the harvest will only be enjoyed every other year.

Round, almost uniform apples with an average weight of 150 g are usually eaten fresh or used to make delicious desserts, juices, preserves, and jams. They have a shelf life of no more than two months. On seedling rootstocks, trees begin to bear fruit in the fourth to fifth year; the seedlings take root easily, and the trees grow strong and vigorous, but the fruit does not exceed 100–120 g. On dwarf rootstocks, fruiting begins in the second year, with apples reaching 150 g, sometimes 200 g, but the seedlings have difficulty rooting, and sometimes the cultivar itself does not take root well on such rootstocks.

Planting seedlings

It's best to plant young trees 1-2 years old in the fall or early spring. When planting the garden, leave 4 meters between seedlings, and choose a sunny, non-waterlogged site with a deep water table. The soil should be fertile, loose, and breathable; loam, sandy loam, or neutral black soil are ideal. If necessary, it's advisable to amend the soil structure and apply fertilizer in advance.

Prepare the hole a week before planting. Dig it about a meter wide and deep, add soil mixed with compost, eggshells, and mineral fertilizer to the bottom, and water. When planting, spread the roots on the mound, carefully cover them with soil, compacting them to avoid air pockets around the roots, water, and secure the plant to a stake. The root collar should remain 5 cm above ground level. It's advisable to mulch the area around the tree trunk with compost or peat (this is essential before winter).

Care and pollinators

Apple trees of other varieties (Melba, Cinnamon Striped) that bloom at the same time as Mechta should be grown nearby, as the latter variety will not bear fruit without pollinators. The first flowers are picked before the ovaries form, giving the tree time to strengthen and grow. Over the next couple of years, the harvest is limited to the ovary stage. This will allow the apple tree to gain strength before the larger harvests.

From the very first year of life, trees are pruned to create and then maintain the desired crown shape. The description claims that this variety has good resistance to scab, other common diseases, and pests. However, experienced gardeners recommend protecting against this by treating the trees with fungicides twice a year: in early spring before the sap begins to flow and in the fall after the leaves have fallen. Also, treat the area around the trunk to prevent pests and pathogens from gaining ground. It's advisable to feed the apple trees: apply nitrogen fertilizers in the spring, focus on potassium fertilizers in early summer, and use phosphorus fertilizers after the harvest. Summer watering should not be neglected: young trees should be watered weekly, while mature trees should be watered less frequently. However, it's important to ensure the trees receive moisture evenly; heavy rain after a drought can cause the apples to crack.

It's essential to maintain the tree trunk area—weed, remove plant and fruit debris, and mulch after watering. To apply fertilizer or water, dig a shallow trench around the perimeter of the tree's crown, where the fine, absorptive roots are located. Trees also respond well to foliar feeding.

Harvesting and storage

The harvest is collected in the first ten days of August, and the apples are immediately consumed for food or processing.

They can be stored for up to two months at room temperature, gradually losing moisture, and they transport well. After this period, the fruit's flavor will deteriorate, so they are best consumed before October.

Pros and cons

Mechta is a variety successfully grown in private gardens and large farm orchards for commercial sale. Care is not considered difficult or overly laborious, and the abundant harvest of delicious and beautiful apples is well worth the effort. Among its advantages are commonly cited resistance to fungal diseases, pest resistance, good winter hardiness, and early fruiting. Apples of this variety are not only beautiful, but also, unfortunately, very low in calories, rich in vitamins, essential nutrients, and sugars that dissolve in the delicate juice.

The variety's disadvantages include a short shelf life, a tendency to crack when moisture levels are uneven, and the possibility of intermittent fruiting due to unfavorable conditions. Some concerns include poor survival on dwarf rootstocks or the difficulty of rooting such seedlings. However, the advantages clearly outweigh the variety's popularity in the southern and central regions.

Video "Description of the Summer Apple Tree Dream"

In this video, you will hear the characteristics of the summer apple tree variety Dream.